Rep. Anthony Weiner very publicly endorsed Clarke in the competitive Congressional primary last year, and helped bring her the endorsement of anti-war stalwart Rep. Jack Murtha.

But Clarke also has ties to the Bronx. She worked briefly for the Bronx Economic Development Corporation, and — according to a person close to Carrion — she received behind-the-scenes help from the borough president during the campaign when he steered about $10,000 worth of contributions her way.